The primary focus of our research effort is in the fundamental studies of electrochemical reactions, electrocatalyst function and the design of new materials for furthering electrochemical technologies. Our lab is multidisciplinary, combining electrochemical, analytical, materials and physical chemistry techniques.

Current research interests in the Co group:

Nanoporous Materials for Electrocatalysis

Nanoporous metals can serve as an ideal framework as battery and fuel cell electrodes providing high surface areas while maintaining electrical conductivity through their ligaments. Another advantage is their tuneable porosity while providing mechanical rigidity and excellent mass transport properties. These properties make nanoporous metal foams excellent electrode materials in electrical storage and conversion applications. Our group will investigate novel nanoporous electrodes as an alternative to conventional Li-ion battery anode to accommodate for the expansion during charge discharge/cycles, as well as nanoporous bimetallic foams and shells as catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.

Understanding the electrochemical reduction pathways for the electroreduction of CO2

Electrochemistry has an enormous potential for reductive recycling of CO2. Several classes of organic chemicals (e.g. CO, CH4, C2H4, methanol, isopropanol, formate and urea) can be synthesized electrochemically from CO2 in aqueous or non-aqueous solutions in ambient conditions. Our research group will focus on understanding the electrochemical pathways for CO2 reduction and developing new, more selective and energy efficient catalysts for CO2 fixation into energy fuels.